In the winter of 2005 I developed a strong interest in making music. One of my friends had been producing music using Reason 2.0 and a super old version (new at the time) of ProTools LE and I was amazed. I knew that this is exactly what I wanted to do too, but I had no idea where to even start. I had toyed with a demo copy of Fruity Loops 4, but I didn’t even own a computer at the time so I was completely lost. I begged my friend to teach me and asked him to write a list of things I would need to get started. I could tell he didn’t really think I was serious, but he gave in and wrote a bare bones list of things I would need.
 
The list read something like:
 
-Computer
-Reason Software
-MIDI Controller
-Headphones
 
So I took that list and set out to buy what I needed. Then I realized I didn’t have any money. Lol. So I decided that day that my nice shiny Honda CBR 929RR had to go. By this time spring was in full force in Wisconsin and the fresh arrival of warm weather made it easy to sell a motorcycle. Once I sold the bike I used the money to fund my new musical endevours. At the time laptop computers were ridiculously expensive so I decided to purchase a refurbished DELL laptop for around $500. It had a 14.1” display, AMD Processor, 256k of memory, and a 60GB hard drive. To this day I still don’t know how I even ran Reason from that laptop. Next, I bought a 61 key MIDI Controller and a copy of Reason 2.5 from Musicians Friend then a cheap pair of $30 DJ headphones from the local music store. I had officially purchased my first production rig.
 
That was in 2006. I learned a lot from that little set-up and will always remember how it all started. Technology has come a long way since then and this has allowed producers such as myself to be able to more affordably produce higher quality music right from home. I always knew I wanted to have a really nice home studio one day and over the last 8+ years I’ve worked my dream into a reality. Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to their creative space, but I love the way my current studio is set up and wanted to share it with you. Now I in no way am saying that this is a step-by-step guide in building a production space at home or that you NEED every piece of gear mentioned in order to make amazing music. This is just what I use and I hope that it can inspire you to chase your dreams too. Below is a detailed list of the gear mentioned in the video as well as links for you to be able to get more information on each item.
 
I also have over 1.5TB of software on my computer that I use to produce. It’s a lot to cover and I didn’t have time in this video to do so. If you would like me to make a second video covering software such as mixing plug-ins, virtual instruments, drum kits, DAW’s, etc. please leave a comment on the video via YouTube. If enough people ask for it I will make a video for it. If you haven’t yet, please subscribe to my YouTube channel and feel free to hit me up on one of the social networks. Thanks for visiting the blog and watching the video.
 
 
Acoustic Treatment
 
All Acoustic Treatment was purchased from Overtone Acoustics. I currently have 26 total panels which include 2 Bass Traps and 3 Skyline diffusers. I highly recommend going with Overtone for any and all of your Acoustic Treatment needs. The quality is outstanding and the prices are very fair. http://overtoneacoustics.com
 
Desk
 
Studio RTA Creation Station Studio Desk: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/studio-rta-creation-station-studio-desk
 
Desk Chair
 
MARKUS Swivel Chair: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00103102/
 
Power Conditioners
 
ART PowerStation 4×4: http://artproaudio.com/art_products/power_solutions/metered_solutions/product/ps4x4/
 
Furman M-8Dx: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/M8Dx
 
Computer
 
2012 Apple Mac Pro Tower
3.33 GHz 6-Core Processor
Upgraded Graphics Card
32GB RAM
6TB Internal Hard Drives
 
Video Monitors
 
DELL S2340M 23” IPS LED Backlight LCD Monitor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824260109
 
Studio Monitors
 
Yamaha HS8: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HS8/
 
Secondary Reference Monitors
 
Avantone Audio Active MixCubes (Butter Cream): http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MixCubesAct/
 
Monitor Control Switch
 
SMPRO M-Patch 2 Monitor Control Switch: http://smproaudio.com/index.php/en/products/monitor-controllers/m-patch-2
 
Audio Interface
 
Universal Audio Apollo Duo: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ApolloDuoTB/
 
Preamp/Compressor
 
Universal Audio LA-610 Mk II: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LA610mk2
 
MIDI Controllers
 
Akai MPK49: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MPK49/
 
Yamaha KX8: http://www.zzounds.com/item–YAMKX8
 
Keyboard Workstation
 
Yamaha Motif XF6: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MotifXF6
 
Microphones
 
Neumann TLM 103: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/TLM103Anniv/
 
Oktava MK-319: http://www.oktava-online.com/mk319.htm
 
Studio Projects C1: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/C1Mic/
 
Shure SM7B: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SM7B/
 
Vocal Reflection Filter
 
Sterling Audio VMS Vocal Microphone Shield: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterling-Audio-VMS-Vocal-Microphone-Shield-107014417-i2100737.gc
 
LED Accent Lights
 
DIODER LED 4-Piece Multicolor Light Strip Set: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50192365/
 
Did I miss something? If I did make sure to let me know by leaving a comment on the video via YouTube. Thanks again!